A Quick Update

Thank you so, so, so much for your prayers – Graham did well in surgery. I am staying over night with him in the hospital tonight. It was Graham’s idea. He was concerned about me being home alone after just being alone and having a fire. Sweet young man. Very serious and ALWAYS thinking. And actually I had thought of that too.

He should be discharged in the morning.

This morning my friend Celestia called from Phoenix. She and her husband are dear friends and she is also a counselor. She told me that each of us needs to work through the grieving process.

Dw and Emma went (with the help of others to inventory the house) while Graham and I were heading to the hospital… They wore gloves and masks. Emma was very weepy all day. She said that it was even worse than the day before. She had searched for some things and didn’t find them or found them charred and unable to be salvaged.

Our children need to grieve (along with us) all the loss they have had. Our oldest, Abigail (married to Ryan) has a blog. She wrote about the fire here.

Isaiah told me, after getting home from the hospital tonight that he wanted me to sit down and talk to him. I went and sat down on the air mattress next to our Isaiah. He started to cry and mourn for the stuffed animals he has lost. I know that the dog we sent him in the carepackage while he waited in Ch*na – all gone.

Liberty was crying off and on all day too….her birth mom had given her two stuffed animals this summer when they met for the first time. I told her that I thought most likely her birth mom would be MORE than willing to send her some new ones. She said, “But it won’t be the same because she gave them to me when we met.” Yes, sweet LIberty, it won’t be the same. I grieve the loss as well.

Tyler called and the first thing he said was, “You lost your computer didn’t you?” I assured him that one of the older kids had (TOTALLY on their own) grabbed it and put it in the car. He said, “If you didn’t have yours I was going to go buy you one today. Then he aked if Emma’s camera was lost. No, that was what she carried over the shoulder and out the door. He said he was going to buy her a camera if it was gone.

Then he asked if Graham still has his drums. We assured him that they were spared (probably because they were in a sound booth Dw and Graham had built in the garage).

I asked each of the older kids what I should be looking for in the pile of stuff on the front lawn things that were special to each of them. There are things that are special to them, but not necessarily of great monetary value.

Today I was thinking of such-n-such and how I needed to grab it….oh wait…the house is gone and there is no way I could just grab what I needed. Such a weird feeling.

35 thoughts on “A Quick Update

  1. What a sweet son you have. I have many friend and my family praying for you. I am sorry for your loss. That would be very hard. It makes me want to cry just reading it. But the Lord will see you though and some day this will be in your memory box, to show that it taught you…something that you will see someday.
    Samantha

  2. So I’m off helping a new single mom with her adopted newborn baby and am telling her about this wonderful adopting family who has just lost their home. When Mr. Daddy pages my phone and tells me that Graham is in surgery.

    Good thing I was with Christians who understand when I just drop things and pray. (Well, I didn’t drop the BABY, but you know what I mean).

    And you were worried about losing followers??? Your followers are emailing eachother trying to find ways to connect and help. What an amazing picture of the Body of Christ.

    Praying for a quick recovery for Graham. For healing for all of your hearts. And for the most wonderful rebuilding and restoration ever.

  3. Oh Linn, we are on holiday, and I just sneaked away for a minute to read your blog. And I read this! I’m so sorry, there are no words. What a huge miracle that you are all alive and the smoke alarm was fixed. But what sadness for your little log home, your lifetime of precious momentos, all your personal stuff. And how scarey it must have been. You are such a brave Mama. I can not say anything to help, so I will pray like crazy. Pray for peace, for healing, for a place to live, for you and your kids to feel unafraid. Poor Dwight, not being there must have awful. Praying for him too.

  4. Linny and Dwight,
    It is 3:45 ET and I was just awoken and prompted by the Spirit to share something with you. Randy and I are from the same hometown and about the same age as Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman, and so we were deeply touched last summer when they tragically lost Maria. But, after a few weeks of grieving, Steven and Mary Beth went on the offensive. They were everywhere (Good Morning America, Larry King, People Magazine) sharing their faith and testimony. The message went out loud and clear, “Satan, you picked the wrong family to mess with”! Well, once again, we must send out the message, “Satan, you picked the WRONG family to mess with!” Anyone who knows you guys in any way, knows that you will use EVEN THIS to glorify our Father who is in Heaven, who is the Lord of Lord, and KING OF KINGS! So, the message I had to share is this, when you guys are up to it, share your story with anyone who will listen, reach out to the local, regional, and national media. Your story, faith, and testimony are so real and compelling. Let’s put Satan on notice and have him running to the edge of one of those sharp cliffs out by you! All of our love and support to you and your entire family.

  5. Even in far Holland we are thinking of you and praying for you… We are so sorry to hear your story..
    I read your weblog about Uganda, after i discovered Jubilee will be part of your family (we adopted Tian from PHF in 2005 and met her too, she was always in our mind).

    Please keep hope… we wish you a lot of strength to revover from this terrible accident. Keep in mind you have eachother and keep in mind better times will come, worse then this is not possible.

    all the best,
    Machteld

  6. I have cried as I have prayed for all of you thinking how you must be coping and how the kids are coping and knowing that without a doutbt that you will do everything that needs to be done to have your kids safe…

    please take the time for you and Dw to be able to morn the loss of your house and things… All those items that special to them are priceless and ok some things wont be able to be replaced but we WILL always have the memorys in our heart locked away that not even fire can take away……

    I wish there was something I could do more than send money
    just know that you are in my prayers

  7. Praise God that Graham came through the surgery well, and I’ll continue to pray for his speedy recovery. I’ve only commented once before, but your stories have changed my life in ways that I cannot even totally understand. You’ve opened my heart to the plight of orphans and enriched my relationship with Jesus Christ. I wish that there was more that I could do. I will continue to pray with all my heart for your family. May God bless you all.

  8. Oh Linn, the range of emotions you all are going through is unimagineable. We are grieving with you and your kids. It is such a beautiful testimony that they are able to articulate their feelings with you and Dwight.

    We are so relieved to hear that Graham is doing well. Tossing and turning last night thinking and praying about each of you. Thank you for updating us on Graham’s condition.

    Continuing to pray… and to rejoice in tender mercies…

    With Much Love,
    Amy, Chris, JT, Harry, Mac and Gracie

  9. I’m praying that God will hold you in the palm of His hands and that you will feel His heartbeat and know the height and breadth and depth of His love in new and amazing ways.

    A Denver adoptive mom

  10. Oh sweet Linn… i just can’t help but burst into tears with each post. the stuffed animals.. oh that just hurts the heart. Bless their sweet little souls. So hard.
    Praise God Graham is okay! Thank you for taking the time with all you are going through to update us. it means so much.

    Linn I wish you could see what is going on in bloggy land for your you. It would make you smile, even now. It has blessed me immensly to witness all your sweet friends reaching out to help you and praying to lift you up. How many people are coming together to pray for your family. So many new people who are going to know your story, who are going to come to love your family, who are going to be blessed by knowing you. there might be some who come to know Jesus through this, and I know there are others who already know HIMm whose relationship with and Faith in will be strengthened.
    do you find it odd at all that the conversation we had Tuesday night was about not letting Satan take anything from us. That God is bigger than ANYTHING and that when Satan tries to bring us down it is more important than anything to remember that. Remember whey we are here and who we are here for, no matter what. Think of the prayer you prayed. Unbelievable.

    I will be crying with you.. and praying for you. If there is anything you need, you know where to find me. In the mean time, I will be lifting up your arms… I will, we all will be praying you through this.

    Love you tons girl.

    Hugs to you.

    Amie

  11. Hey Miss Linn, Thanks for posting this. I wokr up this morning thinking… what about Graham’s drums… does he have his drums? I am so encouraged by all your bloggers..you are definately loved. The enemy HAS completely picked the wrong family. Take all the time you need to grieve. Your kiddos are special special kids and I am praying for them all every day. Love you, jen

  12. I am just so sorry for your loss. I understand very well, our house burned down in 2004. IT was very scary and sad, but with the help of the insurance company things slowly got back to normal. Know I will be praying up here in NY for you and yours.

  13. A friend told us about your loss. I am SO sorry. We are praying for your family and totally believe that the Lord will comfort you all during this very difficult time and that HIS provision will pour through for you guys! Your family seems AMAZING! I just wanted you to know that I’m praying. Blessings…
    Buffi

  14. Linn thank you for the updates and I will be praying especially for your children today…and for their sweet mama…may the Lord rain down buckets of grace and mercy upon your family in the upcoming days and weeks.
    I’m so glad Graham came through surgery and will pray speedy recovery for him.
    My heart is so full, but I don’t know how to put it into words…so just know prayers and utterings that words cannot express are being lifted up for you in Alabama…
    Laine

  15. You have people all over the world praying for your and your sweet family. God will pull you through this. I’m glad to see that the children and vocalizing their losses. Bless their hearts.

    Praying without ceasing…

    Hugs,

    Ohilda

  16. You have been so deep in my heart and constantly on my mind these last few days. I woke up at 4:45 this morning and spent an hour in prayer for your family and one other. This post – well each of them – hurts my heart so much! Now if I could just get my eyes to stop leaking and my nose to stop dripping maybe I could get some work done. Continuing to pray for you in Alabama.
    DawnS

  17. So happy Graham is doing well! I had no doubt that the lord would watch over him and your entire family yesterday. Lets just pray that all the hicups are over and you can start to sort through this big mess. From your big gain in followers I can definately see that this whole ordeal has definately brought the Christain community together. Hang in there Saunders family and just know that GOD is always with you..

    In Christ,
    Brittne

  18. Saunders Family,
    I wanted to claim this scripture for you today. It’s one I’m sure you’re already leaning on, but this reminder helps us all!

    Psalm 56:3 (The Message)
    1-4 Take my side, God—I’m getting kicked around, stomped on every day.
    Not a day goes by
    but somebody beats me up;
    They make it their duty
    to beat me up.
    When I get really afraid
    I come to you in trust.
    I’m proud to praise God;
    fearless now, I trust in God.
    What can mere mortals do?

    We love you all and are actually EXCITED to see how God will use this to His glorification and blessing to you!

    I know that many, including myself, are working on applications for ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover. Wouldn’t it be so like God to use this cool show (which DW mentions from the pulpit Often!) to bless your family?!?

    Love and Care go out to you each and every moment. Know that your family is completely covered in prayer at all times!

    Prayerfully,
    Lisa O.

  19. Thanks for the update – it’s such great news to hear that Graham is doing well. Thank you Jesus!

    My heart is so heavy with grief and sadness for all of you. I still find it hard to believe that all of this has happened. I am heartbroken for you.

    I continue to lift all of you up constantly – only Jesus can restore and reclaim your losses. Only Jesus can heal your broken hearts. Only Jesus can minister to each of you at your points of need. Only Jesus…only Jesus…only Jesus…

    Let it be so, Lord Jesus, let it be so!!

  20. PTL Graham came through his surgery okay. I agree, was there ever any doubt. I think we are all grieving with you and for you. Please know you continue to be in our prayers.

    I’ve shared your story on tithing with one of our older sons who has just rededicated his life to our sweet Lord and he was amazed at what God was doing in your life. And after 36 years, he is now starting to tithe. Thank you so much for sharing that and your faith. It encourages and inspires.

    ~carol

  21. You have been in my thoughts and prayers since I first heard about your fire two days ago. I told my husband, and he came home yesterday saying that he had been praying off and on all during the entire work day. We added Graham to the list of requests as soon as we read your update. I am just so sorry. I will keep praying for all the little details (which actually aren’t so little!) and for a peace during this trying time.

    Blessings,
    Linda from Northern Colorado

  22. I am so relieved that Graham is better. Your kids are amazing, and it must be immensely difficult to fathom what has happened. I cannot imagine. We are praying for you, for all of you to grieve as much as you need, and to eventually find peace and closure. You are in our thoughts and prayers! God bless you all!

    All the best,
    Nicole A. in OH

  23. Woooo-hoooo… yeaaaaaye God! Graham is on the mend! I have tried to think about his appendix surgery in terms of God's "timing". What if he had appendicitis over in Africa? God's timing is always perfect, although not necessarily understood. Graham was HOME where he could get excellent medical care!
    My heart is so heavy for you, my sister. My heart is so heavy for your children, that they will somehow try to pick up the pieces of their lives after this tragedy! SATAN WILL NOT WIN THIS BATTLE! The one thing those kids have is YOU & DW. The items that they miss are all sentimental, but material. With time, they will understand that those things can be replaced.
    Oh, I am praying for you Linn… my friends are praying for you… my family is praying for you… friends of friends of friends are praying for you! The list goes on and on!!
    ((Hugs)) to all of you!
    xo, Jen

  24. New reader here.. I had just heard about your blog not long ago and came by to read this about your fire.. I am sorry for the loss of those special items but so very grateful your family is alive and well! Putting you all on my prayer list.

  25. Hi Linny,
    Praising God that the surgery went well! You know, I was just reading last night about the seasons in our lives in Ecclesiastes. Yes, there IS a time to GRIEVE, WEEP and MOURN! But, I just felt this unexplainable joy that your time to HEAL, DANCE, BUILD UP, PLANT, LAUGH, EMBRACE, GAIN, KEEP AND LOVE are all coming—soon! The God of restoration has already begun His work—restoring to you ALL that the locusts have eaten this week. It is going to be beautiful, Linny. I know it is hard for you to see the tress through the forest right now—but we can! Oooohh, yes, Satan DID mess with the wrong family, BUT God is about to turn this around. I am so excited to see the beauty this is going to come out of these ashes (literally!).
    What a joy to see the Body come together to love you the way they have! The Glorious Church—loving the Saunders family.
    Holding up your arms…..
    Adeye

  26. ummm i a new visitor, and i’m at a loss for words. . . i can hardly imagine what you are going through, but as a believer who had had “interruptions” to my “normal,” i realize that it’s oftentimes just a one day at a time kind of existance. sometimes it’s just minute by minute.
    just wanted you to know that i am praying for you and especially for your two new ones, whom i am sure, are quite unsettled by all of this. and of course, for a quick healing for graham, too.
    as i processed your situation and others of the last day or so, i blogged about you and left a link to your page. i hope that is okay.
    press on, we are praying for you.

  27. I just found your blog and story via 3 Peanuts. I am so very sorry to read of your great losses. I am a puddle of tears after reading your posts from this week. Please know that your family is in my heart and prayers!!

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